John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie (1917–1993) was one of the most influential jazz trumpeters, bandleaders and composers of all time.Dizzy Gillespie
He is widely seen as the inventor of the bebop style of modern jazz music in the 1940s, alongside saxophonist Charlie Parker. Their playing pushed the boundaries of harmonic and rhythmic complexity in jazz. Aside from being an outstanding trumpet player and musician, he possessed an impressive stage presence and electrifying personality. Gillespie was a teacher for many legendary jazz trumpeters, including Miles Davis, Fats Navarro, Jon Faddis and Lee Morgan. Gillespie also pioneered scat-singing and Afro-Cuban jazz.
